Aston Martin fear F1 'on a slippery slope to becoming F2' with reverse grid idea

F1 2021

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Aston Martin fear F1 'on a slippery slope to becoming F2' with reverse grid idea

Sprint qualifying in Italy proved a bore

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 15 September 2021 09:29

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Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes F1 would be on "a slippery slope to becoming Formula 2" if it gave the green light to reverse grid sprint races.

The thorny subject of reverse grid events has again materialised following the low-key sprint qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix that lacked any meaningful action after the first lap.

The jury is out at present, with F1 to make a definitive decision on whether to pursue it next year or find an alternative following the third and final sprint qualifying trial ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

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Whatever the outcome, Szafnauer is personally hoping F1 will avoid a reverse grid race, even if it is a standalone event on Saturday based on championship position, with Friday's qualifying simply determining the grid for Sunday's grand prix.

"I personally will support what the fans deem to be entertaining," said Szafnauer.

"However, a reverse grid in Formula 1 is a big, big departure from what this sport was always about.

"I personally wouldn't want us to have this sprint race on Saturday turn into a slippery slope into becoming Formula 2.

"If that's what the fans want, then I'm wrong, and let's do what the fans want.

"But I don't think Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, can start entertaining weight penalties, reverse grids, all that kind of stuff."

Let's wait until after Brazil - Szafnauer

A number of polls that followed sprint qualifying in Monza were heavily in favour of F1 ditching what appeared popular after the original event at the British Grand Prix.

Szafnauer has suggested there was a certain novelty value attached to that race at Silverstone, and that only after the third event in São Paulo should firm conclusions be drawn.

"We said we were going to try it three times this year and the third one is in Brazil," added Szafnauer.

"So I think the right thing is to stay the course, do it in Brazil as well, then analyse the three.

"As somebody said, the second one didn't have the novelty of the first. The third one won't have that novelty either.

"Look back at all three of them, then decide."